Plastics and properties

Question 1

Acrylic

Answer 1

Stiff and brittle easily broken.

Question 2

Polyvinyl sheet (PVC)

Answer 2

Stiff, strong [strong: Able to withstand a force without breaking or bending. ], tough [tough: Able to withstand blows or sudden shocks without breaking. ] and resists scratching

Question 3

High-density PVC foam

Answer 3

Stiff, hard, tough and lightweight, with a good resistance to chemicals

Question 4

Polystyrene sheet (or styrene sheet)

Answer 4

Lightweight, hard, stiff, transparent [transparent: Able to be seen through; clear. ] and brittle. Good water resistance

Question 5

Corrugated polypropylene

Answer 5

Lightweight and tough. Stiff, but not very strong. Hard but scratches easily. Resistant to chemicals.

Question 6

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Answer 6

Strong, tough, hard, lightweight, and durable [durability: The ability of a material to withstand wear, especially as a result of weathering. ]. A good surface finish and resistant to chemicals.

Question 7

Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)

Answer 7

Brittle in tension, lightweight, with good heat and sound insulation

Question 8

Cellophane

Answer 8

Tough, hard, stiff, lightweight, transparent, and non-flammable [non-flammable: Not easily ignited or burnt. NB: inflammable has the opposite meaning - ie, easily ignited. ]

Question 9

Polythene

Answer 9

Hard, stiff and able to be sterilised